Alexandria City, Virginia

Survey Area VA510• Virginia

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate runoff). The most common soil order is Ultisols — strongly weathered soils with clay-enriched subsoils, common in warm humid climates. This report summarizes the major soil map units across the survey area to help you understand what to expect when buying, building, or gardening in Alexandria City, Virginia. Search your address to find the exact soil composition, drainage, and series details at your specific location.

Soil Map Unit	Acres	Drainage	Hydro Group	Dwellings	Septic
Urban land	3K			Not rated	Not rated
Urban land-Grist Mill	1K			Not rated	Not rated
Kingstowne-Sassafras-Neabsco complex, 2 to 7 percent slopes	1K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Urban land-Kingstowne complex	715			Not rated	Not rated
Grist Mill-Woodstown complex, 2 to 7 percent slopes	679	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Grist Mill sandy loam, 0 to 25 percent slopes	478	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Kingstowne-Sassafras-Marumsco complex, 7 to 15 percent slopes	469	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Kingstowne sandy clay loam, 0 to 45 percent slopes	325	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Kingstowne-Sassafras-Marumsco complex, 15 to 25 percent slopes	277	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Water	239			Not rated	Not rated
Codorus and Hatboro soils, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded	229	Somewhat poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Sassafras-Neabsco complex, 2 to 7 percent slopes	100	Well drained	B	Not limited	Very limited
Woodstown sandy loam, 2 to 7 percent slopes	88	Moderately well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Sassafras-Marumsco complex, 15 to 25 percent slopes	76	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Lunt-Marumsco complex, 2 to 7 percent slopes	64	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Sassafras-Marumsco complex, 7 to 15 percent slopes	63	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Sassafras-Marumsco complex, 25 to 45 percent slopes	25	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Fairfax loam, 25 to 45 percent slopes	17	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Wheaton-Fairfax complex, 2 to 7 percent slopes	16	Well drained	C	Not limited	Very limited
Wheaton-Fairfax complex, 7 to 15 percent slopes	16	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited

Soil Orders in This Area

The USDA classifies every soil into one of 12 soil orders. Here are the dominant orders found in this survey area.

Ultisols

Strongly weathered clay soils of the Southeast. Acidic and naturally low in nutrients. Clay subsoil can slow drainage.

Entisols

Young soils with little development — found on floodplains, dunes, and steep slopes. Properties vary widely by setting.

Inceptisols

Young but developing soils found in mountains and river terraces. Variable properties — check drainage and bedrock depth.

Alfisols

Moderately weathered forest soils with clay-enriched subsoil. Productive for agriculture, generally good for building and septic.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

Most soils are generally favorable for residential construction. Standard foundations are usually viable, though site-specific evaluation is always recommended.

Septic Systems

About 41% of soils have significant septic limitations, while others are more suitable. A perc test is essential — conditions vary across the area.

Gardening & Agriculture

Well-drained soils on sloped terrain — good for most plants but watch for erosion. Terracing, contour planting, and mulching help retain moisture and topsoil. Drip irrigation is more effective than sprinklers on slopes.